The Landscape Architecture studio -LARK IV, aims to develop landscape and environmental design proposals that enhance Reykjavik's main river, as well as establish links between the river and the city. Elliðaár river flows into the Atlantic and is home to a rich biodiversity, including salmon
The studio work has been carried out by professors Helena Guttormsdóttir and Iván Juárez, in collaboration with urban designers Edda Ívarsdóttir and Hrafnkel Proppé and with the participation of students of Landscape Architecture and Forestry.
The first stage of the process, focused on site analysis, involved identifying, mapping and surveying the Elliðaár River. This phase took place in the engine room of Elliðaárstöð, the old hydroelectric power plant that marked the beginning of the electrification of Reykjavik in 1921.
Today, thanks to geothermal energy and other energy sources, this space has been transformed into an active cultural place, where people can learn, experiment, and create links to nature.
The session started with an introduction to the site by Edda Björnsdóttir, followed by a tour of the river to identify different areas along its course, concluding with a group session in the old power station. The analysis outcome and student presentations were held days later at the Keldnaholt campus, with proposals, analysis and first ideas.
working session taking place in the cultural space of Elliðaárstöð, the original engine room of the former hydroelectric power plant that marked the beginning of the electrification of Reykjavík in 1921
The second stage of the process consisted in the elaboration of different documents that summarize graphically and textually the analysis work carried out in group. This information was incorporated into a booklet.
As a final stage, each team member elaborated strategies and a landscape design project proposal.